Shafari drives home a brand new Proton Persona | LIMBC Malaysia 2014

LANGKAWI (Oct 14, 2012): It was an unforgettable day for lorry driver Mohd Shafari Sulong after he landed the grand prize of a brand new Proton Persona valued at RM50,000 at the Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge (LIMBC) Tradewinds Jamboree 2012 at Lagenda Park today.

In what was his maiden attempt at the fun ride which served as the precursor to the stage race on Oct 15-20, Shafari’s number was picked as the grand winner of the lucky draw conducted by LIMBC honorary patron, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“The thought of winning a prize, let alone the car never crossed my mind. All I had in mind was to complete the course and enjoy the hilly terrain,” said the father of four from Alor Star.

For the 30-year-old who took up mountain biking as recreational sport about 18 months ago, the car served as a gift for his family.

“I would cherish this moment. This is indeed something unexpected. Perhaps, this is the result of my perseverance of not missing my weekly training at Gunung Jerai and participating in several jamborees all over Kedah. Now I have a car to call my own,” said Shafari who takes the motorbike to work.

More than 800 riders took part in the Tradewinds Jamboree which was flagged of by Dr Mahathir. Also present at the flag-off was Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive, Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, CEO of Human Voyage, Datuk Malik Mydin and Tradewinds Corporation Bhd Group CEO, Saharul Harez Hassan.

Prizes worth almost RM100,000 were given away to the lucky draw winners. The jamboree also drew the participation of several national riders and entertainer Ezlynn who was sporting enough to sing a few lines of her famous Hi Hi Bye Bye song before flag-off.

Speaking to the Press after the flag-off, Dr Mahathir said: “Today we can see LIMBC is getting good response from mountain bike enthusiasts. I was told more than 800 riders had taken part. LIMBC has the potential to attract more Malaysians to take up cycling.

“Cycling is a good option for people since it is an eco-friendly sport. I hope mountain bike events of this magnitude is not limited to just Langkawi but also the whole country.

“We don’t have to wait for the Government to encourage the growth of cycling. This kind of activity is good for health. The more people taking up cycling, more cycling-friendly facilities can be built for the rakyat.

“Development in Langkawi many years ago had taken into consideration cycling lanes and pathways to encourage people to take up cycling. But the response was poor. I hope LIMBC would stir the interest of more people to lead an active lifestyle. Take a look at the Japanese, people in Holland and other Europe countries. Cycling is a culture for them.”

LIMBC 2012 begins in earnest Monday with the prologue - an individual time trial of 2.4km at the Eagle Square, followed by Stage 1, a 65km round the island race, starting and finishing at Lagenda Park on Tuesday.

This year’s edition offers a total prize money of US$125,000 (RM400,000) and is open to four categories of rider – Male Open (ages 19-39 years), Female Open (ages 19 years and above), Masters Men (ages 40-49years) and Senior Masters Men (50years and above).

Tradewinds Corporation and Yayasan Sime Darby are co-sponsors as Platinum Partners for LIMBC 2012. Silver sponsors are Telekom Malaysia, Berjaya Corporation Berhad, Maju Group and Proton Holdings Berhad. Bronze partners are AmBank Group and ALM Group Sdn Bhd. The event is supported by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

Shafari poses with the brand new Proton Persona